CLASSIC PHILIPPINES 11 JANUARY - 2 FEBRUARY 2020 - Birdquest
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The exquisite Spotted Wood Kingfisher, here just having caught a bat, was one of the most appreciated species of the tour.
All pictures taken by Julien Mazenauer.
CLASSIC PHILIPPINES
11 JANUARY – 2 FEBRUARY 2020
LEADER: JULIEN MAZENAUER
Having operated a long series of successful Philippines tours over the last three decades, and with so much
to see in this country, last year’s tour was reorganised and focussed on the islands of Luzon, Mindanao and
Palawan. This 2020 Classic Tour is hence the second of its kind to operate, and was a massive success in
both numbers of species recorded and number of ‘diamond’ birds seen, those endemics or special birds
you’re unlikely to see elsewhere. This year, we recorded 351 species, with a very high percentage of all
possible signature birds (including an impressive 166 endemics!) and those megas such as Philippine Eagle,
Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Celestial Monarch, Spotted Wood Kingfisher, Southern Silvery Kingfisher,
Flame-breasted Fruit Dove and Azure-breasted Pitta, not to mention 13 superb species of owl seen
(including the rarely seen Mindanao Scops Owl, the unique Giant Scops Owl and the huge Philippine Eagle-
Owl), 19 species of doves and pigeons (including the fantastic Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, the threatened
Spotted Imperial Pigeon and the poorly known Mindanao Brown Dove, the latter a Birdquest lifer) and 11
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species of kingfishers (including the tiny Indigo-banded Kingfisher). Special mention should go to the four
Chinese Crested Terns we found at Panabo. This represents about 8% of the known global population and
all individuals were visible in a single scope field. Other unique species seen were endemics like Palawan
and Philippine Frogmouth, the endangered Green Racket-tail and critically endangered Red-vented (or
Philippine) Cockatoo, Bukidnon Woodcock (which was discovered almost three decades ago by one of our
groups), Mindanao Miniature Babbler (another Birdquest lifer as parts of Mindanao open up), unique Rough-
crested Malkohas, superb Rufous and Blue Paradise Flycatchers, shining Short-crested Monarchs, five Ashy
Thrushes in a urban park, weird Apo Mynas, Stripe-headed and Stripe-breasted Rhabdornises (in the past
treated as an endemic family, Rhabdornis are now believed to be aberrant starlings), Falcated Wren-Babbler
(which gave us a very hard time, to finally show itself exceedingly well), all possible sunbirds (13 species)
and flowerpeckers (12 species), plus finally some brilliant Red-eared Parrotfinches and White-cheeked
Bullfinches.
A male Palawan Peacock Pheasant delighted us on Palawan – a relief, knowing that the traditional male disappeared last year!
The group assembled this morning in Manila, and due to logistical issues we had to head straight towards
Subic. Along the way, we made a brief stop at a marshy area and quickly logged up to five Philippine
Swamphen, getting rare these days. White-browed Crakes, Cinnamon and Yellow Bitterns, Arctic Warblers,
Philippine Pied Fantails, Clamorous and Oriental Reed Warblers and many more were also recorded. After a
lunch at Subic, we spent our first afternoon birding a quiet road in the excellent forest of the former US
military base. New birds came thick and fast, with highlights such as White-bellied and Northern Sooty
Woodpeckers, Luzon Flamebacks, Philippine Falconets, Blackish and Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike, Philippine
Green Pigeon, brief Green Racket-tails, the critically endangered Luzon race of Blue-naped Parrot, a flock of
jumpy Rufous Coucals, brief Rough-crested and Scale-feathered Malkohas and our first Luzon Hornbill and
Coletos. At dusk, we were attracted to raucous calls and found two juvenile Philippine Scops Owls hiding in
thick tangles! Not far away were two very showy Luzon Hawk Owls, and after an hour or so we managed
great views of Chocolate Boobooks, with Great Eared Nightjar calling nearby. A successful first day in the
Philippines!
Today started with an unexpectedly productive nightbirding session, as within minutes we found a superb
pair of Philippine Eagle Owls, calling and staring at us for long minutes, one of the tour’s highlights already!
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Additionally, a wonderful Spotted Wood Kingfisher posed for us in the spotlight, giving fantastic views. It was
then time to bird another site with restricted access. When leaving the vehicules, literally the first bird in view
was an immature Philippine Hawk-Eagle, first seen briefly perched and in flight, but not for everyone
unfortunately. Soon after, two White-lored Orioles were lured into view and stayed around for most of the
morning. Walking around produced many other great sightings, including showy (!) Rufous Coucals, Luzon
Hornbills, great scope views of the endangered Green Racket-tail, more Blue-rumped Parrots and
Guaiabero, the weird Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, White-eared Brown Doves of the nominate subspecies, our
first Whiskered Treeswifts, Philippine Pygmy Woodpeckers, Luzon Flamebacks, Northern Sooty
Woodpeckers, White-bellied Woodpeckers, Trilling Tailorbird, more Philippine Falconets and Coletos. After
lunch, we visited another site, which was as productive, with great looks at some striking Scale-feathered
Malkoha, a good look at a White-browed Shama, Rough-crested Malkohas, more Green Racket-tails,
Philippine Serpent Eagle, Blackish Cuckooshrikes and many more. At dusk, Philippine Nightjar first started
calling and then hunted around us, while Great Eared Nightjars kept flying high.
Two stars from Subic: Philippine Eagle-Owl (above) and Luzon Hawk Owl.
A pre-breakfast outing gave us good views of an adult Philippine Scops Owl. We then returned to the same
area as the morning before, but hours of searching didn’t produce the hoped-for White-fronted Tit, which
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seem to have all but disappeared from the area with no recent records. We did however find a few good
birds, everybody got good looks at a striking Rough-crested Malkoha, Philippine Serpent Eagle, our first
Handsome Sunbird and Red-keeled Flowerpecker. It was then time to start the very long journey to Banaue,
which was interrupted by a stop at Dalton Pass, where we saw our first Pygmy Flowerpecker and a pair of
stunning Handsome Sunbirds, Blue-headed Fantail and Red-keeled Flowerpecker again. We arrived fairly
late at the Lagawe Gorge, where after 20 minutes we located an Indigo-banded Kingfisher (here of the
northern race), a gem of a bird! We arrived an hour later at our hotel in Banaue and enjoyed a great dinner,
getting ready for an early start the following morning.
Flame-breasted Fruit Doves showed once again brilliantly.
Some serious nightbirding sessions were the agenda for the next two days, and we started early on our first
visit of the Mount Polis area. After walking up and down a trail, we located a calling Luzon Scops Owl, but it
remained so deep in the vegetation and out of the reach of our flashlights. The bird never came closer, we
would have to try again! At dawn, we were on the vigil at the next site and soon started hearing distant
booming of one of our biggest targets. After a few minutes of repositioning, an extraordinary Flame-breasted
Fruit Dove appeared, followed by two juveniles, and they fed and called for an hour just few meters in front of
us! That was a mega start of the day! We walked up the road, and nailed one by one some great specialities,
like Flame-crowned Flowerpecker, nice White-cheeked Bullfinches, a close Mountain Shrike, showy
Philippine (Luzon) Bush Warbler, unusually tame Long-tailed Bush Warbler, Island Thrushes and
encountered several mix-species flocks containing endemics like Chestnut-faced Babblers, Elegant Tits,
Sulphur-billed Nuthatches, Negros Leaf Warblers, Green-backed Whistlers, Blue-headed Fantails and others
like Mountain Tailorbirds, Warbling White-eyes, Turquoise Flycatchers, Luzon Sunbirds and Fire-breasted
Flowerpeckers. Lower down, a search for Benguet Bush Warbler first drew a blank, so we continued further
down to admire a male Luzon Water Redstart, a range-restricted Luzon endemic that showed very well and
close this year. Endemic Ridgetop and Philippine Swiftlets were also around, and a flock of vocally distinct
‘Luzon’ Red Crossbills flew past. After lunch, a long search for Benguet Bush Warbler resulted in only two
individuals heard, one on a distant ridge and the other in some infinitely dense habitat. We never managed
to get views of it, another one we’d have to look for again! The end of the afternoon didn’t add much except
for some Eastern Buzzards, Olive-backed Pipits, Tawny Grassbird, perched Red Crossbills and Eye-browed
Thrushes, so we prepared for yet another nightbirding session. This time, a Luzon Scops Owl could be heard
distantly, but never came within reach, unfortunately. Philippine Frogmouth and Bukidnon Woodcock were
also heard.
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Two Mount Polis specials: Mountain Shrike and Luzon Water Redstart.
We started the next day as the previous one and were hence out very early to get a better chance of
success with the scops. It took some time, but we found a calling Luzon Scops Owl close, and after a bit of
manoeuvring managed to get it in the torch. The bird stayed deep in a bush, but was well visible for a minute
or so before flying off even deeper in the vegetation. Frustrating views, but not much we could do about it!
We then drove down the road through the drizzle (it would rain all day long) before hearing a Benguet Bush
Warbler, which after an hour’s wait showed briefly to all. A few flocks were seen later in the morning, with our
first Orange-bellied and Buzzing Flowerpeckers seen. After lunch, a short walk produced a male Bundok
Flycatcher (at the very same site as last year!), but a calling Philippine Hawk-Eagle behind a ridge couldn’t
be seen, whereas Eastern Buzzards, Philippine Serpent Eagle and ‘Philippine’ Crested Honey Buzzards kept
circling above us. Higher up, a ‘Luzon’ White-browed Shortwing could be lured briefly into view (indeed, the
White-browed Shortwing might be split in the near future, and this taxon has a distinctive voice differing from
others in the Philippines). We made our way higher up, still in the drizzle, but didn’t add much except a
showy Green-backed Whistler, Island Thrush, and commoner species. It was then time again to look for
night birds, but the rain continued and although we heard a Luzon Scops Owl close again, that one stayed
well hidden and sheltered deep in the vegetation.
The unique Scale-feathered Malkoha showed very well in the garden of out hotel. A definite favourite!
The day started with a short walk early morning in the gardens of our hotel, walk highlighted by brilliant views
of an amazing Scale-feathered Malkoha and Yellowish White-eyes, a new bird for us. A singing Bundok
Flycatcher was also lured into view for a short time. It was then time to drive all the way to Manila (taking us
over 14 hours this time, with a flat tire and road works). A brief stop at Dalton pass was rewarding, with a
nice Olive-backed Flowerpecker of a striking local race, Pygmy and Red-keeled Flowerpeckers, more
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Yellowish White-eyes and our first Pygmy Swiftlets. We made it to Candaba swamp just before sunset,
allowing us to find good numbers of Philippine Ducks, a Philippine Swamphen, some surprisingly showy
Middendorf’s Grasshopper Warblers, Lesser Coucals, Buff-banded and Barred Rails, Oriental Reed
Warblers and an Eastern Marsh Harrier. We reached our hotel late after struggling in Manila traffic and had a
huge buffet at our hotel.
Philippine Frogmouth is always much appreciated on Mt Kitanglad!
We landed next morning on time at Cagayan de Oro on Mindanao, after and early flight from Manila. Our
way up to the famous Del Monte lodge was pretty uneventful, but we did encounter several flocks of
Chestnut-cheeked Starlings and a male Eastern Marsh Harrier. We arrived on time for some initial
exploration, and after positioning ourselves in a clearing above the lodge, we waited for dusk. A Philippine
Hawk-Cuckoo starting singing and was seen a few times crossing the clearing and briefly perching. In 1993,
a Birdquest team discovered a new woodcock, and that’s the bird we were all hoping to see that evening.
After a tense wait, we finally heard the typical flight display song of a Bukidnon Woodcock, who flew straight
above our head and landed out of sight. What a mega! The growling of a nearby Philippine Frogmouth led to
it discovery and to an amazing and close observation of that weird species. Giant Scops and Everett’s Scops
Owls were also calling but only intermittently and refused to show, but we saw a few Philippine and Great
Eared Nightjars. The lodge crew cooked us a delicious dinner and we all went to bed, very excited about
what the next day could bring us!
Pre-breakfast owling didn’t result in anything (both Scops were still calling but not showing), so we set off
towards the Philippine Eagle viewpoint. On the way, we caught sight of our first daytime Mindanao
endemics, such as the ‘bug-eyed’ Apo Myna and Olive-capped Flowerpecker. Once at the viewpoint, much
to our surprise, it didn’t take 10 minutes before the shout went off and a majestic Philippine Eagle appeared
over the opposite ridge! We followed the bird along the hillside, and it perched in full view, giving good albeit
distant view through the scope. Not much happened the following hour, but it then suddently took off and
was joined by a second individual. They started displaying and grabbing talons, giving a terrific spectacle!
After perching for another hour, the disappeared behind a hill and were not seen again. Lunch was brought
to us, after which we started our exploration of the remaining forest fragments of the lower areas. Just
behind the viewpoint, an absolutely fantastic and tame Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove was much appreciated by
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all! Several flocks were also encountered, with excellent species like Black-and-cinnamon Fantails,
Mindanao White-eyes, the enigmatic Cinnamon Ibon, Grey-hooded Sunbirds, McGregor’s Cuckooshrikes,
Rufous-headed Tailorbirds, Sulphur-billed Nuthatches and some jumpy Brown Tit-Babblers being favourites.
We spent some time successfully luring in view a vocally distinct ‘Apo’ White-browed Shortwing and Long-
tailed Bush Warbler, the latter showing extremely well. A surprise find was a Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle, found
circling only about 50 meters above us with two Philippine Serpent Eagles! We stayed in the same clearing
near the lodge until dusk and could again see the Bukidnon Woodcock displaying, a nice sight. Soon after, a
Giant Scops Owl started calling not too far, so we decided to try our luck and repositioned ourselves. Not
twenty seconds later this monster of a scops landed in front of us, giving great views! It didn’t stay too long
but we could all admire how unique this nightbird is. Pleased by our success, we backed-up to the lodge,
heard an Everett’s Scops Owl along the way (as usual, the bird did not respond and could not be found),
spotted a roosting female Bundok Flycatcher and ate another good dinner cooked by our favourite crew!
The unique Giant Scops Owl showed very well on Mt Kitanglad!
Today, some of us would hike to the top of the nearby ridge to look for some additional species, while the
others would stay at the Eagle platform to enjoy the eagles again. On the way up, a very thin whistle caught
my attention, and we positioned ourselves inside the forest, hopping that the nearby calling Bagobo Babbler
would come in view. Of course, it never came close enough, but we could still hear it clearly for some
minutes. Apo Mynas, Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis and Short-tailed Starling were still showing on treetops
while we hiked up, and once at the summit two nice Apo Sunbirds were spotted within minutes, showing long
enough for everybody to enjoy. More Mindanao White-eyes and McGregor’s Cuckooshrikes were spotted
along the way, as well as one Red-eared Parrotfinch, feeding quietly on the trail in front of us. We eventually
reunited with the other half, who had seen the two Philippine Eagles again, and walked back to the camp.
That night, Mindanao Scops Owl was heard distantly, but that’s about it!
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Two great birds seen from the viewpoint: a stunning Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove and the endangered Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle.
Before leaving the lodge next morning, we tried to call in the local pair of Hombron’s Kingfisher. They came
close, I managed to locate an individual but unfortunately it flew off before the group put its eyes on it. The
same happened with Buff-spotted Flameback, as an individual came in but landed out of sight. It then flew
over Rich, who had stayed at the lodge (where he also saw a Hombron’s Kingfisher!), not to be found again
later on. We then had to say goodbye to the excellent Del Monte lodge crew, and hiked down to the meeting
point. Some groups of Chestnut-cheeked Starlings were still around. The drive to Eden, near Davao, took
hours, but we arrived on time to find a pair of Cryptic Flycatchers, before a heavy downpour that spoiled our
late afternoon and evening birding. Another fine banquet was had before getting back to our chalets for the
night.
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The rare Cryptic Flycatcher (left) and a ‘bug-eyed’ Apo Myna.
The rain continued overnight, but we still went out owling (unsuccessfully) before driving to the next birding
site. This year we visited the lake Agco area for the first time, meaning there was potentially a new species
for Birdquest to be found. But first, as we parked the car on site, we couldn’t believe our eyes as a monster
Philippine Eagle crossed the sky just a few hundred yards away! Definitely our best sighting of the species,
and a great start of what would be a productive morning. We scrutinized all possible mix-species flocks
during over 3 hours, before I finally managed to discover three Mindanao Miniature Babblers, a rare and very
poorly known species endemic to its namesake island. He birds behaved unusually well, staying low under
the canopy and giving fantastic views. We were lucky, knowing the species to be mostly a canopy dweller.
Mindanao Miniature Babbler at Lake Agco, a new species for BirdQuest!
This Birdquest lifer in the bag, we continued birding and saw a brief Flame-crowned Flowerpecker of the
Mindanao race, and more importantly up to 6 Whiskered Flowerpeckers, a species which lost its mythical
status only a few years ago. During the course of the morning, we recorded up to 8 species of
Flowerpeckers, including Olive-capped, Buzzing, Fire-breasted and Bicoloured. But it wasn’t all, we also
found a small flock of ‘Apo’ Scarlet Minivets, and their yellow belly, some pretty Citrine Canary-Flycatchers,
Grey-hooded Sunbirds, Cinnamon Ibons and ‘Mindanao’ Long-tailed Bush Warbler. Interestingly, we also
recorded two races of White-browed Shortwings sharing the same habitat - one of these was discovered two
decades ago by our leader Pete Morris. Its unique song and exclusive altitudinal limits mean that it is likely to
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be a new species for science once a specimen is eventually procured! Alongside these at this site, more
‘Mindanao’ White-browed Shortwings with a more classic song were also heard. Content with our success,
we retraced our steps towards Eden, where we once again looked for the Japanese Night Herons, which had
sadly not been seen since December. None were found of course, but we did find our first Everett’s White-
eyes and Orange-tufted Spiderhunter. At dusk, an Everett’s Scops Owl called once, but went silent and we
could not track it down. We called it a day and went for another great buffet..
Four megas from Davao region (clockwise from top left): the canopy-loving Whiskered Flowerpecker, an impressive Philippine Eagle,
the rare Cryptic Flycatcher and critically endangered Chinese Crested Tern!
Pre-breakfast owling didn’t result in anything, but we then got great looks at ‘Julia’s’ Purple-throated Sunbird
(a HBW split) and Orange-tufted Spiderhunter, plus some showy Brown Tit-Babblers. Off we were to
Panabo, with low expectations given the Chinese Crested Terns were not recorded since almost two weeks
and that several groups before us drew a blank. We parked the car by the seaside, and I was just
speechless given the very first bird I lifted my binoculars on was a Chinese Crested Tern! As it turned out,
we counted no less than 4 individuals, representing the highest total on wintering grounds ever! Lots of
happy faces around and an unexpected bonus after all! The shores were full of waders, and we recorded an
excellent array of species, including Great Knots, Far Eastern Curlews, Grey-tailed Tattlers, Pacific Golden
Plovers, Terek Sandpipers, Lesser and Greater Sand Plover and also a close Chinese Egret. After lunch, we
drove straight to Bislig, where we visited the airfield until dusk. A few King Quail were flushed from the side
of the airfield, and we added a few new species like Watercock and Golden-headed Cisticola. At dusk, a
fabulous Eastern Grass Owl started hunting and gave a great show, while a Philippine Nightjar was calling
nearby. We retreated to our accomodation, pleased by this very successful day!
10 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comEastern Grass Owl performed well at Bislig!
Our first day in what is remaining of the old PICOP logging concession proved to be rather disappointing.
Indeed, it poured down intermittently the whole day, making birding conditions a real challenge.
Nevertheless, we managed to see an interesting series of endemics. The morning started very slowly, with
rain spoiling our pre-dawn owling. A Philippine Frogmouth was however seen briefly. At dawn, a few Rufous-
lored (Winchell’s) Kingfishers started calling, as well as a Hooded Pitta but they couldn’t be lured into view.
During the course of the morning (which was a very wet one), we didn’t find any flocks, but managed to find
a few good endemics, like Black-bibbed Cicadabird, a rather brief Philippine Leafbird, several showy
Philippine Orioles, a close-by Philippine (or Steere’s) Honey Buzzard, a perched Crested Goshawk, some
Philippine Spine-tailed Swifts overhead, ‘Mindanao’ Hair-crested Drongos, Mindanao Pygmy Babblers
associated with a few Everett’s White-eyes, a pair of Grey-throated Sunbirds, several Metallic-winged
Sunbirds and a duo of Black-faced Coucals showing decently. We also called in a nice Black-headed
Tailorbird and a shy Philippine Trogon, but that was about it! Unfortunately, Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon,
Writhed and ‘Southern’ Rufous Hornbills remained heard only, as they were heard calling from very far away.
As we were about to head for lunch, a small bird flock was discovered, highlighted by a Rufous-tailed Jungle
Flycatcher and our first Mindanao Blue Fantails. The afternoon was spent at the same site but rain spoiled
most of it. Some of us managed brief views at a stunning ‘Southern’ Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, while a
large flock (over 20 birds) of Stripe-headed Rhabdornis were moving in the canopy of a distant tree, joined
by several ‘Philipine’ Scarlet Minivets, Violet Cuckoo and Philippine Leaf Warbler. When walking back to our
vehicles, the typical call of one of the most sought-after PICOP speciality was heard, and after a bit of
repositioning we were looking at a magnificent Azure-breasted Pitta, which showed at close range in the
open! An amazing flash of blue, red and black. We decided to try our luck with the owls at a different site, but
as soon as we arrived it started pouring down again and never stopped, so we called it a day and retreated
to our accomodation.
Heavy rain spoiled (once again) our pre-dawn owling. Rain went on and off the whole morning, and we really
didn’t record much as the forest interior was very quiet. A Hombron’s Kingfisher called only once and was
unresponsive, as was a calling Little Slaty Flycatcher, sheltering from the rain down a dark gully. A Philippine
Trogon showed nicely, and we managed to scope a Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon through the canopy. A mix
flock entertained us for some time, with Philippine Leaf Warbler and Rusty-crowned Babblers appreciated.
From a large clearing, we started to hear the calls of one of the most exciting PICOP speciality, and after five
minutes of wait, Jim suddently shouted “Wait, there’s a bright blue bird in the scope!” and indeed he just
located a Celestial Monarch pair, which were sitting and calling quietly from a treetop, and albeit distant,
11 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comgiving great scope views. Two Short-crested Monarchs appeared nearby, as did two family flocks of
‘Southern’ Rufous Hornbills, much to our delight. Things started to get better, at last! We walked quietly our
way back to the jeepneys, paying a special attention to mix flocks, but didn’t find anything else of note. A
rather uncooperative Striated Wren-Babbler showed briefly, but a Philippine Pitta next to the trail was
admired at length! A visit to the famous Southern Silvery Kingfisher pond brought us brief but great looks at
this gem of a bird, amazingly patterned with its bright red legs! We continued on to our nightbirding site,
where, of course, a heavy shower dropped on us as soon as I started playing some recordings. After the
rain, a Mindanao Hawk-Owl responded and soon we got fantastic views of this endemic. The rain won’t have
us!
Two endemics from PICOP: the huge and beautiful Azure-breasted Pitta (above) and a showy Philippine Pitta!
Heavy rain basically spoiled all our birding of the following morning until midday. Nothing was recorded
during that time, unfortunately. We were definitely unlucky with the weather at PICOP, but nothing we could
do about it! It improved slightly in the afternoon, giving us time to locate a Writhed Hornbill pair and again two
aptly-named Celestial Monarchs, most likely the same individuals as the previous day, much to the delight of
Pete who missed the birding yesterday! It was then already time to get back to the jeepneys, but we found a
cooperative and showy Striated Wren-Babbler pair en-route, giving great views to all. We once again visited
12 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comthe Southern Silvery Kingfisher, hoping to see the bird for a longer time than yesterday, but the pair was
again very elusive and only gave brief fly-bys. Purple-throated Sunbird was a nice addition here though! We
went off for owling, and this time I quickly located a calling Everett’s Scops Owl, which gave good and close
views, just before the rain started again. Phew!
Amethyst Brown Dove is usually rather retiring but posed for us in the open. Metallic-winged Sunbird came close to inspect us.
Our final morning in PICOP was a total wash-out, it indeed rained continuously so we didn’t spend much
time looking for some more stuff. We still managed to connect with Amethyst Brown Dove, which eluded us
before. A nice flock was also found, with ‘Southern’ Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Jungle
Flycatcher, Short-crested Monarchs and Philippine Leaf Warbler as highlights. We said goodbye to Zardo
and drove to Compostela, arriving in time for some initial exploration. Our first birds on site were the range-
restricted Lina’s Sunbird, our main target, with both males and females obliging. Some flocks were carefully
checked, and we logged in Mindanao White-eyes, Cinnamon Ibons, the vocally distinct race of McGregor’s
13 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comCuckooshrike, the local subspecies of Negros Leaf Warbler, two Red-eared Parrotfinches, stunning Black-
and-cinnamon Fantails, Island Thrushes, Black-faced Coucal and some more. Doves were much in evidence
in the evening, with several showy Yellow-breasted Fruit Doves and Philippine Cuckoo-Doves. Amethyst
Brown Doves were heard, as were two or three of the very rare Mindanao Brown Doves, but they wouldn’t
budge unfortunately. We would have to try again! At one point, we started hearing a very close Bagobo
Babbler from the nearby slope. We hence positioned ourselves and after a wait the bird hopped across a
small opening, only to be glimpsed by a few of us. Another one we would have to find again tomorrow.
Two megas from Compostela: a colourful Lina’s Sunbird and the rarely-seen Mindanao Scops Owl!
As dusk fell, Chocolate Boobook and Everett’s Scops Owl started calling, a Bukidnon Woodcock roded close
overhead and the sought-after and little recorded Mindanao Scops Owl was heard from a distant ridge. I
started playing the calls of this rare scops, and much to our surprise, the bird, which was initially about two
hundred meters away came straight in! I put the beam on it and we enjoyed fantastic views of this ultimate
mega, one of the least recorded nightbirds in the Philippines. Success, persistence pays off, at last, after
struggling the previous days. We retreated to our accomodation. The beers tasted good that night!
14 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comMindanao Brown Dove is a real rarity and had never been seen before on a BirdQuest tour!
We went back in the mountains following morning, and I quickly scoped a calling Mindanao Brown Dove
down a forested gully – another Birdquest lifer – but it took about two more hours for everybody to connect
with it given the bird was very shy and flighty. It finally gave up hiding and sat right in the open at eye level,
giving fantastic views. One of the most difficult species to observe in the Philippines! A nice bonus came in
form of a nice Spotted Imperial Pigeon scoped by Jim up slope. Skulking Bagobo Babblers were still calling
but sadly we had to drive back to Davao to catch our flight to Puerto Princessa on Palawan, so didn’t have
more time to look for this secretive critter. The flight was miraculously on time, and after transiting via Manila
we reached the paradise island of Palawan, later in the evening and went straight to our hotel for some much
needed sleep.
Starting early morning on a new island was exciting, and we first visited Irawan Eco Park, very close to
Puerto Princessa. At dawn, a Palawan Frogmouth called nearby but we did not find it roosting unfortunately.
The first Palawan endemics arrived one by one: Palawan Flowerpecker, Pale Spiderhunters, White-vented
Shama, Lovely Sunbirds, Melodious Babblers, Ashy-headed Babblers, Ashy-fronted Bulbuls, Palawan
Bulbuls, ‘Palawan’ Hair-crested Drongos, Blue-headed Racket-tails, ‘Palawan’ Slender-billed Crows and
many more. The highlight were the great views we had of two different Palawan Flycatchers. Further on, we
found more endemics, including Yellow-throated Leafbird, Spot-throated Flameback and other more south-
east Asia species like Common Hill Mynas, Chestnut-breasted Malkohas, Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers but also
Crested Goshawk and Crested Honey Buzzard. We paid a visit to the nearby wildlife rescue center and were
granted great views of a male Palawan Peacock Pheasant, who is allegedly wild and roaming freely around
the enclosure of some of its mates. After the disappearance of the usual male at the Underground River
National Park, it was a relief to connect with the species, even if the status of this new individual is
sometimes debated. The bird was actually quite shy and never left the cover of vegetation, so we were all
happy to tick this stunning male. Hooded Pittas and Blue Paradise Flycatchers were well present and
showing unusually close and in the open. Additional species recorded include Pin-striped Tit-Babblers, more
Ashy-headed Babblers, Pale Spiderhunters, ‘Palawan’ Ameline Swiftlets and many more. After a delicious
Vietnamese lunch, we birded the Sabang road, and scored heavily with most of our difficult targets located
quickly, like a Spot-throated Flameback pair, a pair of the rare Red-headed Flameback, a party of nice
Palawan Tits, brief Falcated Wren-Babblers, another Palawan Flycatcher and some very close Brown-
backed Needletails. Towards the end of the day, we waited at the famous cockatoo viewpoint, from where
we scoped a large party of fifteen Palawan Hornbills, three Great Slaty Woodpeckers, many Blue-naped
Parrots, a few Blue-headed Racket-tails, Thick-billed Green Pigeon, a roosting Changeable Hawk-Eagle and
15 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.commany Green Imperial Pigeons. It took some time, but just before dusk, several small flocks of Red-vented (or
Philippine) Cockatoos flew past our viewpoint. Some good looks of this critically endangered species were
had, and we set off to our night birding site. Just before dusk, an Oriental Hobby was scoped, and within
minutes a cute and tame Palawan Scops Owl was in the beam, giving walk-away views and calling his very
unusual growl from under the canopy. Some minutes later, a Palawan Frogmouth started calling and was
soon located, much to our delight. Before these two amazing sightings, Spotted Wood Owls were heard
calling distantly, but never reacted to our calls so we called it quits and went for a gigantic buffet in Sabang,
pleased by our very successful first day on Palawan.
Blue Paradise Flycatcher at Puerto Princessa. A stunner!
A boat ride early next morning brought us to the Underground River National Park, where we enjoyed great
looks at four Philippine Megapodes. A fruiting tree attracted Palawan Hornbills, ‘Palawan’ Asian Fairy
Bluebird, Yellow-throated Leafbird and we also found our first Sulphur-bellied Bulbuls and more Palawan
Tits. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher proved elusive and was only seen in flight, and a Blue-eared Kingfisher was
seen catching fish by the cave. After an appreciated boat ride on the underground river, the place got
crowded so we returned to Sabang and went birding on a trail, where we quickly located a pair of Black-
chinned Fruit Dove, the species having somehow eluded us so far. Sulphur-bellied Bulbuls were also
around. Falcated Wren-Babbler started to get on our nerves, as we tried once again to lure one into view,
with no success. The bird came close, and only allowed glimpses only for some. After a nice lunch, we spent
the whole afternoon trying to find a responsive individual, to no avail. We spent long hours waiting in dark
gullies, but the species simply seemed to be wearing a cloak of invisibility! Some cool birds were however
seen, like a few juvenile Philippine Pittas and a Hooded Pitta. We went back to the viewpoint and found
about ten Philippine Cockatoos going to roost, as well as Common Hill Mynas, Blue-naped Parrots, Common
Ioras, Brown-throated Sunbird and some distant Blue-headed Racket-tails. Ruddy Kingfisher started calling
at dusk, as well as Spotted Wood Owl, but both remained elusive. We made several attempt further up the
road for the owl, but despite hours of trying no birds came into view.
16 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comPalawan Scops Owl and Palawan Frogmouth gave a stellar performance on our first evening on Palawan!
We started early the following morning and visited a site near to our hotel, where we were granted great
looks at some perched Blue-headed Racket-tails, at last! Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers were also nearby, but
we had a last mission to achieve. The whole morning was spent walking quietly and waiting inside dark and
wet gullies, but for some reasons Falcated Wren-Babbler still managed to elude us! It was very frustrating,
given how many individuals we were able to hear, and that none were responding to our desperate calls. We
recorded excellent species like Red-vented Cockatoo, Hooded Pitta, Philippine Pitta, Ashy-headed Babblers,
Sulphur-bellied Bulbuls, but no Wren-Babblers. After a buffet lunch, we were back on the trails and again
failed to find anything new. It was then sadly time to slowly retrace our steps back towards Puerto Princessa,
but we made one last stop in promising habitat. Fruiting trees attracted Thick-billed Green Pigeons,
‘Palawan’ Asian Fairy Bluebirds, Yellow-throated Leafbird and all kind of endemics. We walked the road for
twenty minutes, when I suddently heard the typical whistle of a very distant Falcated Wren-Babbler, far away
up a rocky gully. We climbed for about 150 meters up, positioned ourselves by one side of the gully, and
17 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comwaited for an answer. Suddently, a movement few meters away attracted my attention, and we found the
Falcated Wren-Babbler perched in full view on a horizontal stick! It started singing, still in full view, and we
enjoyed this stunning bird in all its glory for several long minutes. A last minute success, we were relieved
that our persistence paid! That was actually the last accessible endemic we were still in need of, so we
retreated to our accomodation in Puerto Princessa for a little rest, before driving out of town again and
boarding a tiny boat. We sailed through the bay to a small island, where we waited for darkness. Five Lesser
Frigatebirds flew inland, and four Pink-necked Green Pigeon were scoped in the distance. At dusk,
Mantanani Scops Owls, the main reason of our presence on this island, started calling, and in no time they
were in the beam of our torches, only few meters away and for as long as we wanted! A Large-tailed Nightjar
showed also well nearby. A legendary dinner was had later and we prepared ourselves for the return flight to
Manila following morning.
Falcated Wren-Babbler gave us a very hard time. On the opposite, Mantanani Scops Owl was the easiest nightbird of the whole tour!
Before flying to Manila, we went back to Irawan Eco Park for an hour birding. A very nice Red-headed
Flameback welcomed us on site and we saw more of the commoner Palawan endemics like Lovely
Sunbirds, Pale Spiderhunters, and Palawan Flowerpecker. It was then time to bid farewell to our local guide,
we then flew on time to Manila, from where we drove to Los Banos for two nights. It literally took forever to
18 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comreach our destination so we went straight to birding, just to find that our usual stake-out for the Spotted
Buttonquail was under quarantine, with no possible access! The guards just wouldn’t let us in. Frustrated, we
scouted a few different areas, where we found at least five Barred Buttonquail and five King Quail, but no
Spotted unfortunately. We encountered some nice species like a stunning Rough-crested Malkoha, Yellow-
wattled Bulbuls and our first Grey-backed Tailorbirds and House Swifts, Peregrine Falcon, Stripe-headed
Rhabdornis, Ashy Minivets and many Striped Swallows, before a quick checking in and a nice dinner.
A rather showy Hooded Pitta (above) and two Palawan endemics: Spot-throated Flameback (left) and the rare and endangered Red-
headed Flameback.
We made our way up Mount Makiling early next morning, on time for some nightbirding, granting us views of
Philippine Scops Owl and Luzon Hawk-Owl. At dawn, the number of Spotted Wood Kingfisher calling was
just tremendous. While walking up the trail, we noticed the deep hooting calls of a Luzon Bleeding Heart
from up the slope. We positioned ourselves by the side of the trail, and waited. We waited a long time, the
bird would respond, but didn’t agree to show itself unfortunately. Several flocks were then observed, with
Scale-feathered and Rough-crested Malkohas both seen, as well as Luzon Hornbills, a Philippine Trogon
pair and many others. A massive downpour then occurred so we retreated to our vehicle. Making our way
down the mountain and stopping a few times at strategical places gave us great views of a Flaming Sunbird
pair and two Striped Flowerpeckers, a species we had missed so far. After lunch, we visited the nearby
botanical gardens, where things were very quiet. Some more Striped Flowerpeckers were seen, a Naked-
faced Spiderhunter flew past and we saw our only Purple Needletails of the tour. An immature Philippine
19 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comHawk-Eagle was much appreciated by the group as some of us missed it previously. Nothing else was
happening so we moved on to some more open areas, where nothing happened either so we went back to
our accomodation for some packing and refreshing, before having some last good beers and a great dinner
in town.
Two megas on our final morning: Ashy Thrush and Spotted Wood Kingfisher!
We arrived in La Mesa early next morning, greeted by a flock of Lowland White-eyes. Ashy Thrushes were
quite numerous this year as we recorded minimum five different individuals, who gave very good views. But,
a Spotted Wood Kingfisher having just caught a bat stole the show! An unusual prey as far as I know, and
unusually great and close views of this mega kingfisher. An incredible White’s Thrush was also appreciated,
as was Hooded Pitta, our only Mangrove Blue Flycatcher of the tour, a Hooded Pitta and a brief Brown-
headed Thrush. We also did find our first Philippine Magpie Robins finally, and saw more Grey-backed
20 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comTailorbirds. It was then time to pay a visit to the nearby university campus, where we got great looks at a
roosting Philippine Scops Owl and a Philippine Nightjar – a great finish to this successful trip! We made it
back to the airport on time and said goodbye, very happy having had such a smooth and enjoyable time in
the Philippines, despite the downsides of deforestation and the usual bad weather!
A huge thanks to all participants for making this tour such an great one!
This roosting Philippine Nightjar was the last bird we put our binoculars on during this tour!
A Black-chinned Fruit Dove from Palawan.
21 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comThe stunning Flame-breasted Fruit Dove... one of the group’s favorite!
SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR
The species names and taxonomy used in the report follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). 2019. IOC World Bird List (v
9.1). This list is updated several times annually and is available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org. The online checklist,
available to download at the above website, includes all relevant taxonomic notes. The website also includes a useful
section outlining recent taxonomic decisions and upcoming proposals.
Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H).
Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO).
Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL).
Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’
birds for some other reason (e.g.: it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its
range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).
BIRDS
Philippine Megapode ◊ (P Scrubfowl, Tabon S) Megapodius cumingii Four seen on Palawan.
King Quail ◊ (Blue-breasted Q) Excalfactoria chinensis Seen at Bislig and Los Banos.
Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Seen and heard at Subic.
Palawan Peacock-Pheasant ◊ Polyplectron napoleonis See note.
Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Hundreds north of Manila and at Candaba.
Philippine Duck ◊ Anas luzonica About twenty at Candaba.
Philippine Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus septimus Seen on Mt Kitanglad and PICOP.
Palawan Frogmouth ◊ Batrachostomus chaseni Seen at Irawan and near Sabang.
Great Eared Nightjar Lyncornis macrotis Seen and heard on Luzon and Mindanao.
Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus Seen near Puerto Princessa.
Philippine Nightjar ◊ Caprimulgus manillensis Seen at Subic, Manila, Mt Kitanglad and PICOP.
Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata Seen at Subic and Mt Polis.
Grey-rumped Swiftlet ◊ Collocalia marginata Seen at Subic and Los Banos.
22 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comRidgetop Swiftlet ◊ Collocalia isonota Seen on Mt Polis and Mindanao.
Philippine Duck and Whiskered Treeswift.
Pygmy Swiftlet ◊ Collocalia troglodytes Seen on Mt Polis and Mindanao.
Philippine Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus mearnsi Seen on Mt Polis, Mt Kitanglad and in Compostela valley.
Ameline Swiftlet ◊ Aerodramus [amelis] amelis Seen at Subic, Manila and PICOP.
Ameline Swiftlet ◊ (Palawan S) Aerodramus [amelis] palawanensis Many on Palawan.
Philippine Spine-tailed Swift ◊ Mearnsia picina A few at PICOP.
Brown-backed Needletail (Brown N) Hirundapus giganteus Several near Sabang.
Purple Needletail ◊ Hirundapus celebensis Only three, at Mt Makiling.
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis Seen at Los Banos.
House Swift Apus nipalensis Seen at Los Banos.
Rufous Coucal ◊ Centropus unirufus Seen very well at Subic.
Black-faced Coucal ◊ Centropus melanops Seen very well at PICOP.
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Seen and heard on Palawan.
Philippine Coucal ◊ Centropus viridis Seen and heard many times.
Philippine Coucal (left) and the usually unobtrusive Rufous Coucal.
Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis A few seen at Candaba.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha Phaenicophaeus curvirostris Several on Palawan.
Rough-crested Malkoha ◊ (Red-c M) Dasylophus superciliosus Seen at Subic and Mt Makiling.
Scale-feathered Malkoha ◊ Dasylophus cumingi A stunner, seen many times, at Subic, Mt Polis and Mt Makiling.
Asian Koel (Common K) Eudynamys scolopaceus (H) Heard on Palawan and Luzon.
Violet Cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus Seen at PICOP and on Palawan.
Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Seen on Palawan, heard elsewhere.
Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis Seen on Mt Kitanglad, many heard elsewhere.
23 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comPhilippine Drongo-Cuckoo ◊ Surniculus velutinus Seen at PICOP.
Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo ◊ Hierococcyx pectoralis One seen on Mt Kitanglad.
Rock Dove (introduced) Columba livia Many in cities.
Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica Hundreds at Candaba and Los Banos.
Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis Many seen.
Philippine Cuckoo-Dove ◊ Macropygia tenuirostris Many seen, first at Subic.
Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Seen at Subic and on Mindanao.
We had a lot of rain this year at PICOP, but this Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo did not seem to bother!
Zebra Dove (Peaceful D) Geopelia striata Many seen.
Luzon Bleeding-heart ◊ Gallicolumba luzonica (H) One on Mt Makiling, heard only unfortunately.
White-eared Brown Dove ◊ Phapitreron leucotis Many seen and heard, first at Subic.
Amethyst Brown Dove ◊ Phapitreron amethystinus Seen at PICOP, heard elsewhere.
Mindanao Brown Dove ◊ Phapitreron brunneiceps A pair seen very well at Compostela. See note.
Pink-necked Green Pigeon Treron vernans Four seen at Puerto Princessa.
Philippine Green Pigeon ◊ Treron axillaris Seen at Subic and PICOP.
Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra Seen a few times on Palawan.
Flame-breasted Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus marchei Three wonderful individuals on Mt Polis.
Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus occipitalis Fantastic views of Mt Kitanglad.
Black-chinned Fruit Dove ◊ Ptilinopus leclancheri Great views on Palawan.
Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula poliocephala One scoped at PICOP.
Spotted Imperial Pigeon ◊ Ducula carola One at Compostela valley.
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea Many at Subic and PICOP.
Barred Rail ◊ Gallirallus torquatus Seen at Candaba, heard many times elsewhere.
Buff-banded Rail ◊ Gallirallus philippensis One at Candaba.
Plain Bush-hen ◊ Amaurornis olivacea Brief views on Mt Kitanglad and PICOP, heard elsewhere.
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Many at Candaba.
White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea Many north of Manila and at Candaba.
Watercock Gallicrex cinerea Two at Bislig airfield.
Philippine Swamphen ◊ Porphyrio pulverulentus Five north of Manila and one at Candaba.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Many seen.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Several north of Manila.
Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator Five at Los Banos.
24 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comBlack-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Many north of Manila.
Pied Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus One flock at Panabo.
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Several flocks at Panabo.
Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola Several at Panabo.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Several at Bislig and Panabo.
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Seen in northern Luzon and at Panabo.
Lesser Sand Plover (Mongolian S P) Charadrius [mongolus] mongolus One at Panabo.
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii Many at Panabo.
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus Two hundreds north of Manila.
Whimbrel (Eurasian W) Numenius phaeopus Several at Panabo.
Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis Two at Panabo.
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata One at Panabo.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica One at Panabo.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Seen at Panabo.
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Eight at Panabo.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea A few at Panabo.
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta A few on northern Luzon.
Chinese Egret (right) with a Little Egret at Panabo.
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Several flocks at Panabo.
Bukidnon Woodcock ◊ Scolopax bukidnonensis One heard on Mt Polis, seen on Mt Kitanglad and Compostela.
Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala At least one at Los Banos.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Good numbers at Panabo.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Seen several times.
Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes Few dozens at Panabo.
Common Redshank Tringa totanus A few at Panabo.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Several at Panabo.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Many seen.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Several at Panabo.
Black-headed Gull (Common B-h G) Chroicocephalus ridibundus Many at Panabo and Puerto Princessa.
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Several at Panabo.
Chinese Crested Tern Thalasseus bernsteini Four individuals seen at Panabo. See note.
Little Tern Sternula albifrons Several at Panabo.
25 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comCrested Honey Buzzard of the endemics philippensis race (above; here with a green snake sp. in its talons!) and the endemic Philippine
Honey Buzzard.
Common Tern (Eastern C T) Sterna [hirundo] longipennis One at Panabo.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Many seen.
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus One at Panabo.
Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel Five birds heading inland at Puerto Princessa!
Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Several seen near Manila.
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus A few at Manila and on Mindanao.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Hundreds at Candaba, scattered sightings elsewhere.
Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Two at Sabang.
Striated Heron (Little H) Butorides striata A few seen.
Javan Pond Heron Ardeola speciosa A few seen.
26 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comEastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus Hundreds seen on every island.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Seen several times.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Hundreds at Candaba, a few at Bislig.
Great Egret (Eastern G E) Ardea [alba] modesta Many seen.
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Many seen.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta Many seen.
Pacific Reef Heron (Pacific R E) Egretta sacra One on Palawan.
Chinese Egret ◊ Egretta eulophotes One at Panabo.
Everett’s Scops Owl gave us a hard time on Mindanao!
Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus A few seen.
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Seen on Mt Kitanglad.
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus Seen at Mt Polis and Mt Kitanglad.
Philippine Honey Buzzard ◊ Pernis steerei Several at PICOP.
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela (H) Heard on Palawan.
Philippine Serpent Eagle ◊ Spilornis holospilus Many seen.
Philippine Eagle ◊ (Monkey-eating E) Pithecophaga jefferyi See note.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus One on Palawan.
Philippine Hawk-Eagle ◊ (Luzon H-E) Nisaetus philippensis One at Subic and one at Los Banos. Heard at Mt Polis.
Pinsker's Hawk-Eagle ◊ Nisaetus pinskeri One immature on Mt Kitanglad.
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus Seen on Mt Kitanglad, PICOP and Palawan.
Besra Accipiter virgatus Seen on Mt Kitanglad.
Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus One at Candaba and one on Mt Kitanglad.
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Many seen.
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster An immature at PICOP.
Grey-faced Buzzard ◊ Butastur indicus One at lake Agco.
Eastern Buzzard (Japanese B) Buteo japonicus Several on Mt Polis.
Eastern Grass Owl ◊ (Australasian G O) Tyto longimembris One at Bislig airfield.
Giant Scops Owl ◊ Otus gurneyi Very well seen after much efforts on Mt Kitanglad.
Palawan Scops Owl ◊ Otus fuliginosus One seen very well on Palawan.
Philippine Scops Owl ◊ Otus megalotis Great sightings of a family with youngs at Subic and in Manila.
Everett's Scops Owl ◊ Otus everetti We finally had great views of one at PICOP, after 18 tentatives!
Mindanao Scops Owl ◊ Otus mirus Fantastic sighting of one at Compostela valley. One heard on Mt Kitanglad.
27 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comLuzon Scops Owl ◊ Otus longicornis One seen on Mt Polis.
Mantanani Scops Owl ◊ Otus mantananensis Two seen near Puerto Princessa.
Philippine Eagle-Owl ◊ Bubo philippensis A pair at Subic. Heard on Mt Makiling.
Spotted Wood Owl ◊ Strix seloputo (H) Several heard on Palawan, they wouldn’t come into view.
Chocolate Boobook ◊ Ninox randi Seen at Subic, heard at PICOP and Compostela.
Luzon Hawk-Owl ◊ (Philippine Boobook) Ninox philippensis Two at Subic, many on Mt Makiling.
Mindanao Hawk-Owl ◊ (M Boobook) Ninox spilocephala One eventually seen well at PICOP.
Skewers of Palawan Hornbills (above), Luzon Hornbill (left) and Mindanao Hornbill.
Philippine Trogon ◊ Harpactes ardens Seen at PICOP and a pair on Mt Makiling.
Rufous Hornbill ◊ Buceros hydrocorax Several family flocks at PICOP.
Palawan Hornbill ◊ Anthracoceros marchei Many seen near Sabang, including a flock of at least 15 individuals.
Writhed Hornbill ◊ Rhabdotorrhinus leucocephalus Only a pair at PICOP.
Luzon Hornbill ◊ Penelopides manillae Seen at Subic and on Mt Makiling
Mindanao Hornbill ◊ Penelopides affinis Seen on Mt Kitanglad and PICOP.
Oriental Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Several seen on all visited islands.
Spotted Wood Kingfisher ◊ Actenoides lindsayi Fantastic views at Subic and La Mesa eco park.
Hombron's Kingfisher ◊ Actenoides hombroni Seen only by some on Mt Kitanglad. Heard elsewhere.
Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda (H) Heard on Palawan.
White-throated Kingfisher ◊ (Brown-breasted K) Halcyon [smyrnensis] gularis Many seen, mostly on Luzon.
28 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comWinchell's Kingfisher ◊ (Rufous-lored K) Todiramphus winchelli A pair seen well at PICOP.
Collared Kingfisher (White-c K) Todiramphus chloris Many seen.
Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting One at Sabang.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Seen first near Manila.
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Rufous-backed K) Ceyx erithaca Brief views only on Palawan.
Indigo-banded Kingfisher ◊ Ceyx cyanopectus A superb individual near Banaue.
Southern Silvery Kingfisher ◊ Ceyx argentatus A pair on the usual pond at PICOP.
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus Many seen.
Blue-throated Bee-eater ◊ (Rufous-crowned B-e) Merops [viridis] americanus Many seen at Subic.
Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus Many seen.
Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker ◊ Yungipicus maculatus Many seen.
White-bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis Seen at Subic, Mt Kitanglad and PICOP.
Spot-throated Flameback ◊ Dinopium everetti Seen well near Sabang.
Buff-spotted Flameback ◊ Chrysocolaptes lucidus Seen only briefly on Mt Kitanglad and PICOP.
Luzon Flameback ◊ Chrysocolaptes haematribon Seen well at Subic and Mt Makiling.
Red-headed Flameback ◊ Chrysocolaptes erythrocephalus Great views of a pair near Sabang.
Sooty Woodpecker ◊ (Northern S W) Mulleripicus [funebris] funebris Several at Subic.
Great Slaty Woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus A trio from a viewpoint near Sabang.
Philippine Falconet ◊ Microhierax erythrogenys Seen at Subic, Mt Makiling and PICOP.
Oriental Hobby ◊ Falco severus One near Sabang.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Seen near Manila and Los Banos.
Red-vented Cockatoo ◊ Cacatua haematuropygia Ten individuals from a viewpoint near Sabang.
Mindanao Racket-tail ◊ Prioniturus waterstradti (H) Several heard on Mt Kitanglad.
Blue-headed Racket-tail ◊ (Palawan R-t) Prioniturus platenae Seen very well near Sabang.
Green Racket-tail ◊ Prioniturus luconensis Seen very well at Subic.
The endangered Green Racket-tail (left) and the critically endangered Luzon race of Blue-naped Parrot.
Blue-crowned Racket-tail ◊ Prioniturus discurus (LO) A flock briefly seen in flight at PICOP. Others heard.
Blue-naped Parrot ◊ Tanygnathus lucionensis Seen on Luzon and Palawan.
Guaiabero ◊ Bolbopsittacus lunulatus Many seen on Luzon.
Philippine Hanging Parrot ◊ (Colasisi) Loriculus philippensis Many seen.
Philippine Pitta ◊ Erythropitta erythrogaster Seen very well at PICOP and on Palawan.
Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida Seen very well on Palawan and at La Mesa eco park.
Azure-breasted Pitta ◊ (Steere's P) Pitta steerii A showy individual at PICOP.
Golden-bellied Gerygone Gerygone sulphurea Seen and heard several times.
White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus Many seen.
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Seen on Palawan.
Scarlet Minivet ◊ (Philippine M) Pericrocotus [speciosus] leytensis Seen at lake Agco and at PICOP.
Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus Up to 100 individuals at Mt Makiling.
Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike Coracina striata Seen at Subic, PICOP and on Palawan.
29 BirdQuest Tour Report : Classic Philippines 2020 www.birdquest-tours.comYou can also read
